Adopted children can suffer when parents divorce

On behalf of Law Offices of Ashley Philpot Mattos posted in child custody on Thursday, February 8, 2018.

When parents adopt a child, they agree that they are going to care for that child until the child reaches adulthood. In most cases, parents don't think about what is going to happen if they divorce while the adopted child is still living at home. This is actually a very troubling situation that can be a challenge to deal with.

Children who are adopted look to their adopted family for stability. They need to know that they are loved and cared for. This can't stop just because their new parents get divorced. When adults adopt a child, that child must be treated the same as a biological child if the parents divorce.

As part of the divorce, you will have to go through the child custody process for the adopted child. Even though the child isn't biologically yours, you will still have to raise the child. This could mean paying child support, coming up with a custody schedule and taking care of the child's other needs.

Throughout the process, you need to make sure that you are providing the child with stability. As tempting as it might be to try to let things slide during the divorce, such as not forcing the child to do chores, this can work against you later. Instead, make the rules clear and set the expectations from the start. This can help the child to adjust to the new way of life.

Children who are adopted might be resilient. This doesn't mean that you can just assume the child will be fine. Instead, pay attention to the child and work closely with the child to find out what he or she needs.

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